How To Video: Set up multiple profiles in Chrome

How To Video: Set up multiple profiles in Chrome

2:26 /
December 16, 2011

Chrome's sync has been wonky at times, but a new feature just made running two accounts in the browser much easier. Here's how you get started.

There's a ton of reasons to love Chrome.
Syncing isn't one of them but Google has just built in a new feature to Chrome 16 that can make multiple account management much better.
I am Seth Rosenblatt and today I am going to show you how to set up multiple profiles in Chrome.
Multiple users support is similar to Chrome Sync feature but it's more of a complimentary feature than a must-use.
Sync allows you to always have access to the same bookmarks, history, themes and preferences.
Multi-user support allows you to share a computer or maintain separate Google identities without logging out of the operating system.
This could be useful for single computer households or small businesses.
First, create a new profile by going to the ranch menus new sign-in-to Chrome option.
If you're already using Chrome Sync, you'll see your account listed as Signed In At.
Then go back to the ranch, choose options or preferences on the menu, and then personal stuff and add new user.
This will open a new Chrome window and from here, the new user must repeat the Sign In To Chrome procedure.
This associates the Google account with the profile.
You can also customize the profiles name and icon and Google has provided some (cute C?) icons such as an alien, a flower and a ninja.
Once set up, you can jump accounts at will on the left of the tab bar.
By the way, a word of caution, the multi-user profiles support is not intended to secure your private data against other user's prying eyes.
Literally, their prying eyes.
Although your sync data might be secured on the server, if you're logged in to Chrome with multiple profiles, anybody with a keyboard and mouse access can switch profiles and get at your personal stuff as Google likes to call it.
This is far less secure than forcing people to reenter passwords before each opening of a second profile but if your addiction to Google services is deep and spends multiple accounts, the new multi-profile switch is a small step towards making you a happier Googler.
Now, if only Chrome would sync with my Android.
For CNET I am Seth Rosenblatt.